Set high upon its seaside cliff, the hall of Kilton is racked by inner turmoil. Ceric, on the margin of sanity, finds strength and even bliss returning to him. But it is not without price, as his young brother Edwin, Lord of Kilton, grasps for a possession he never fully won.

Hrald is called to Witanceaster by King lfred himself, and there awarded a rare prize. A chance meeting in the King's hall proves more Fate-ful than the young Jarl of Four Stones could have ever imagined - and the one challenge he cannot overcome.

The King's bailiff, Raedwulf, brings Lady lfwyn to his hall in Defenas, where a new life awaits. With them travels her small grandson, Cerd, and her youngest daughter, Ealhswith. Now of marriageable age, Ealhswith yearns for confidence and direction in her life.

On Gotland, the peace and security of Tyrsborg is fractured as Sidroc and Ceridwen are abruptly forced to confront their past actions.

Unexpected alliances and daring risks... all are Water Borne.